Top 20 Universities

School opening na in a week or two. Most students are already enrolled by this time. I'm pretty sure most are done with shopping for school supplies. That's how we typically prepare for the new school year. But how much planning do we do in choosing our or our children's school?

When I was in 4th yr high school, undecided na nga ako sa course na kukunin ko, pano ko pa kaya pag-iisipan ang school pa papasukan ko. Basta ang gusto ko sa Maynila para naman maging Manila-girl ako (nakakaputi daw ang tubig NAWASA). I knew only 5 schools for college. I ended up in MIT because my sister's best friend studies there. Nag-BSIE na rin ako kasi yun din ang course ni Irene (mahihiram ko yung books and OTs nya).

I realized the importance of coming from a good school after college. Sometimes you see in the ads that employers prefer graduates of big universities. Minsan pa nga nilalagay yung schools na preferred nila. Pambihira, di pa nga nila nakikita yung applicante, reject na agad.

Recently, I got this email about the tops schools in the Philippines (although no confirmation from CHED). Nakakagulat kasi di naman pala kailangang lumuwas ng Maynila o kaya magbayad ng pesoses para magkaron ng de-kalidad na edukasyon.

1. University of the Philippines (Diliman Campus);
2. University of the Philippines (Los Banos Campus);
3. University of the Philippines (Manila Campus);
4. Silliman University (Dumaguete City);
5. Ateneo de Davao University (Davao);
6. Ateneo de Manila University (Manila);
7. University of Sto. Tomas (Manila);
8. Mindanao State University (Iligan Institute of Tech);
9. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (Manila);
10. Saint Louis University (Baguio City);
11. University of San Carlos (Cebu City);
12. Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro);
13. Mindanao State University (Main);
14. Urios College (Butuan City);
15. Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Manila);
16. De La Salle University (Manila);
17. Mapua Institute of Technology (Manila);
18. Adamson University (Manila);
19. Central Mindanao University (Bukidnon);
20. University of Southern Philippines (Davao).

Buti na lang kahit pang-17 eh nasali ang alma mater ko. Feeling ko kasi mentally tortured ang mga estudyante dito tapos ang mahal pa ng tuition. Pag di pa naman sya nasama sa listahan, malamang pumayag na akong palitan ang name nya to Malayan Univ.

My Bangkok Travelogue

Before the trip, I asked tips from my friend Tinay on what to do and where to go in Bangkok. Nung una naming dating, excited pa ako. Later on, nasuya na ako. It's just another city. Parang nasa Maynila ka rin. Magkamukha ang mga tao. Yung mga tindahan eh parang sa Greenhills at Divisoria (mas malinis nga lang don ng konti). Ang pinakagusto ko sa lahat ay pagkain. I never imagined that Thai food is that great. Thai food are normally 'hot' pero pwede namang hindi anghangan.

Ito ang listahan ng mga popular places sa Bkk, nilagyan ko ng konting palabok.

Pratunam Area - shopping area; mura dito. di na kailangang lumayo

Golden Buddha - this is one of the more than 300 temples in Bangkok. Aside sa kodakan, meron ditong murang souvenir items at fruits. Yung payong ng nanay ko na ThB60 dito, ThB90 sa labas.

Gem Gallery - malaking showcase ng fine jewelries; pagsawain mo lang ang mata mo, mahal ang tinda dito.

Leather goods outlet (included in city tour)- tindahan ng goods na gawa sa balat ng elepante, snake, cow, crocodile at pagi. Mahal din dito pero bumili si Henry ng wallet na elephant-skin.

MBK - It's a big mall. Napansin ko, mura ang mobile phone dito. Nasa loob nito ang Tokyu na isang dept store.

Pan Tip - mall for electronics. ThB35/hr ang internet rental.

Chinatown - another place for bargain. trinkets are cheap here.

Silom - ito ang business district nila (parang Makati)

World Trade Center - this area has 2 big malls - Zen and Isetan. Walking distance to from Pratunam area

Floating market - instead of permanent structures, nasa nga banca yung mga merchandise ng mga trader. Be careful with the water, kamag-anak ng Pasig River natin.

Patpong - most popular night market in the city; Merong Muai Thai dito.

Crocodile Farm - May crocodile show dito; yung mga trainers sinusubo yung ulo nila sa bunganga ng mga buwaya. ngiiih...

Sampran Elephant Show - You'll see trained elephants here, marunong ding mag-drama yung mga dambuhalang creatures na yon.

The Interview

Date: May 26, 2005
Time: 1:15pm
Venue: 36/F CRC Tower, Wireless Rd., Bkk

We left the hotel at 12:20 for the interview. Medyo isputing kami ni Henry kaya nag-alangan kaming mag-tuktuk. Instead we took a cab which we paid for ThB60.

We arrived at the venue at 12:50pm. In the waiting room, we met a Filipino couple from Baguio. Although they do have an NZ-based consultant, they were clueless about the interview questions. Henry lent his "kodigo" to the couple to give them a chance to ponder on their answers. After about 10minutes, their interviewer (Johnny Xu) asked them to go to the interview area. After a few minutes, Michael Liu invited us to his room. Our visa officer is an employee of NZIS Beijing who is assisting Bangkok in processing PR applications. He looks young, probably in his mid 20's. Nakita ko sa sched nya na 3 applicants ang toka sa kanya every day.

Mr. Liu was reading all questions and jots down all answers. Sinesenyasan ko si Henry to slowdown with his answers because I could see that Mr. Liu couldn't follow him.

The first part of the interview is about indentity verification. Second part is about education and career. This is followed by living conditions in NZ. And lastly, ties in NZ.

When asked about his previous employments, Henry included his brief stint in Saudi Arabia. Hindi ko sinama yun sa EOI because his employer would not answer when we requested for an employment certificate. Medyo surprised si Mr. Liu nung narining nya yon. I butted in to site the reason why we omitted this on purpose.

When it my turn, there was one question that mum me for a few seconds. Pano nga ba sasagutin yung “What is your relationship to your friend?� I asked him to repeat the question but it sounded the same to me. So I replied, "She's my friend." Ang ibig palang sabihin ni chinaman eh yung degree ng relationship namin nung friend ko. Eh di sinabi ko we were friends since childhood. Sayang di ako nakapagdala ng pictures.

Nung ubos na ang laman ng questionnaire, Mr. Liu explained to us that the result will be out 2 months after. Para di na sya mahirapang mag-explain, he gave us a printout of the possible outcome of our application - PR visa, Work-to-Residence visa or declined. I asked him why is the interview held in Bangkok, why not in Manila. He was quick to say that it's for safety reasons. So yun pala yon, takot sila sa Pinas.

I know some people who already got their results. So far, wala naman akong kilalang declined although someone said that about 5% are not successful. I'm really praying that the we become victorious in this flight. Lord, please let this happen.

Second day in Bangkok

It's our second day in Bangkok. May internet cafe sa baba ng hotel namin so I can still write a few things for my blog (we're stating at Four Season's House).

Medyo may mga natutunan na rin about this place. Thais are so much like the pinoys in thers of appearance. Di mo nga malalaman na thai until they start talking. Alam ko na rin yung street name adjacent to our hotel. Mahirap tandaan ang mga thai names kasi ang hirap i-pronounce. Sa mga tindahan, the sales clerk knows only a few english words - the amount of merchandise (e.g. 'tupittee' for 250), the qty of merchandise, and ang favorite "cannot" kung ayaw nila sa tawad mo.

Disappointed ako sa shopping dito. If you're buying retail, iisipin mong na dapat sa Divisoria or Greenhills ka na lang pumunta. If you are into wholesale, ibibigay nila yung goods half the initial price. Kung paisa-isa lang, hanggang 20% discount ang makukuha mo. May kasama kami dito sa hotel na taga-Marawi City who are here to buy stuufs for their shop. May isang blouse si Mrs. Marawi na nagandahan ako. When I saw that dress in the market, I bought one. ThB200 ang kuha ko, P380 daw ang bili nya sa Manila.

What's great about Bangkok is their food. Sa turo-turo kami kumain ng first meal namin. Ang sarap. For dinner, alfresco naman kami. Sa tabing kalsada lang pero super sarap yung noodles (only ThB40). Ang coke in bottle nasa ThB10 (pwede na rin). Masarap din ang breakfast namin dito sa hotel. International breakfast kaya di nakakasawa.

We'll have our interview later. Sa we'll do fine.

TG 625

My mom, Henry and myself are leaving for Bangkok at 8:30pm tonight. According to our travel agent, we have to be at the airport 3 hrs before the flight. It's now 2pm and I'm on my way home from the office. Baka magalit yung boss ko kaya pumasok pa ako.

2 sets lang ng clothes ang dala namin. Dun na kami para masabing nakapag-shopping man lang kahit konti. I also have a list of the shopping center/areas to visit (Thanks Tinay). Di ko na dadalhin yung phone ko, di ko kasi na-apply yung intl roaming. Di na rin ako magdadala ng camera. Meron na si nanay.

Ok. got to go....

Medical Clearance from Peralta Clinic

NZ government is quite strict when it come to the health of prospective migrants. Actually, even those going there as tourists are also subject to medical clearance. They want to be sure that you wont be taking with you any communicable diseases nor be burdened by your medical expenses.

Before, NZ accredits only 2 clinics - Peralta in Makati and another in Cebu (now there are 7). In some documents you'll see the name Varwig. He is actually Dra. Peralta's German business partner who died already.

Who are required to undergo medical exam? Dati, everyone included in the application. Now, all family members kasama even if not coming to NZ.

At what point in the application process does one go for medical evaluation? Since this is good only for 3 months, it's best to go to the clinic after ITA has arrived. However, you can do the preparations in advance (para mas mabilis at maka-tipid). If you're hypentensive, start loosing weight. If you're diabetic, work on normalizing your bloodsugar level.

What to bring to the clinic. First of all, you need to fillout sections A, B1 to B4 of the medical form before going to the clinic. Also, don't forget to bring your passport and 2 passport size pictures.

If you've been treated or hospitalized in the past, ask your doctor to give you a certificate. Dra. Peralta required it from me for my appendectomy in 1986 and an operation in the ureter in 1991. Medyo madali yung sa pangalawa. I just went to National Kidney Inst. - Records Dept. and requested for a certificate. Dun sa una di na ako nakakuha kasi pinangparikit na ata yung records ko. Pumayag naman si Dra.

For the kids, do bring their immunization record. Ayaw ni Dra. Peralta ng hand-written. It must be machine-printed on the doctor's letterhead. If the child lacks a shot, it'll be provided at Peralta.

The test. This is the main event. The test includes the ffg: x-ray, fecalysis (stool), urinalysis and hepa B screening. If you tested negative for hepa B, you'll be checked for hepa B titer (level of antibody). Kung hindi enough yung antibodies, they'll administer hepa B vacc to you (3 doses). I suggest that you get hepa B shots as early as possible. Humingi ka na lang ng cert. from the doctor para maniwala sila sa Peralta. Aside from this, magpa-Diptheria-Tetanous (DT) and MMR vacc. ka na. The moment you go to the clinic, they will not allow you to have the vacc. given outside.

Kids under 12 y/o and pregnant women are exempted from x-ray. However, because TB cases in the Phil. is rampant, my 5y/o son was required to have an X-ray. This confirmed his history of primary complex. Binigyan din sya ng PPD/mantoux (TB skin test). Buti negative si Vince.

Fees. For li'l Shannen, since physical exam lang, we paid P1,000. For 5y/o Vince, P1,650 plus P400 for the PPD/mantoux. For Henry and myself, each of us paid P2950 plus P420 for hepa B titer and P2,250 for DT and MMR. May kasabay kaming family of 5 na umabot ng P40k. That is because the father is hypertensive and diabetic.

Peralta Clinic is open Mon-Fri 8-5 and Sat 8-12. Saturday is 'toxic' so try to avoid it.

One last thing, changes in the medicals will be implemented come July 2005. Since tapos na kami don, di na masyadong binusisi yung ibang details. Basta ang alam ko, mas maraming tests ang gagawin, mas malaking bayarin.

Patintero sa EDSA

As an austerity measure (naks, ala GMA ako), sabay kaming pumapasok ni Henry. He drops me off in my office in Kalookan then proceed to his work in Pasig. On mornings na male-late na sya (mostly my fault), navo-volunteer ako na ibaba na lang nya ako sa EDSA kesa ipumasok pa sya sa loob ng streets.

Sabi ni Bayani Fernando "Bawal Tumawid, Nakamamatay" so I use the footbridge to cross EDSA. But taking the bridge is not a safer option. Of all footbridges that I've seen, itong nasa Bagong Barrio ang pinaka-delikado. The gaps on the railings are too wide. Pwedeng lumusot ang kalabaw, pera biro.

This morning, it took me longer in the shower than than usual. I asked dear husband (DH) to just drop me off along EDSA. Pero para maiba, sa may pedestrian lane ako bumaba. Dito ko na realize na talagang deadma ang mga drivers sa pedestrian lane. Yung mga bus at jeepneys dun pa mismo sa may pedestrian lane naghihintay ng pasahero. Eh di syempre, I couldn't see the approaching vehicles. After a several steps, aatras ulit ako. Yung mga pruivate cars humaharurot. Wala man lang nagme-menor para padaanin yung mga tao. Para tuloy akong nakikipag-patintero sa EDSA.

After almost 10 minutes, dumami na kaming mga tatawid. Kung may sasagasa sa amin, marami-rami kaming babayaran, magdadalawang isip yung driver. True enough, cars stopped when they saw us crossing EDSA.

It's sad that pedestrian lanes are not respected in this side of the planet. Kaya dapat may nakapaskil din na "Padestrian Lane, Nakamamatay".

The NZ Dream - The Process

Due to insistent public demand (mga isa yon), I am writing more on our application no NZ. It was in December 2003 when New Zealand Immigration Service changed their immigration system. The new procedure for Skilled Migrant Category goes like this:

Applicant submit Expression of interest (preliminary assessment) *
NZIS selects EOI (my guess is that this is system generated)
NZIS further evaluates EOI
NZIS releases Decision Successful
NZIS sends out Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Applicant completes requirements *
Applicant submits application *
NZIS interviews applicant (in Bangkok for Pinoys)
Visa approval (permanent resident or work) *

Note: items with * requires payment

To qualify, one must have at least 100 pts. To be selected, however, higher points is required. When it started in January 2004, selection points is set at 195. We didn’t submit our EOI then because we only have 110pts (115pts sana kung ako principal applicant). Each month, the selection points goes down kaya nung September of the same yr, we were able to send off our EOI (online kasi mas mura, NZ$316). After a few days, the status of our EOI changed to selected, yippee!

In December, NZIS decided on our favor, we got our ITA pack. We learned from the pack that our visa application is assigned in Bangkok (Manila embassy does not handle PR visa applications). We were given 4 months to complete all the requirements. This includes birth and marriage certificates (must be from NSO), medical clearance, NBI and Police certs., IELTS (for proof of English proficiency), and even NZQA (not necessary bec. our schools are recognized). We are almost ok with these requirements except for the medicals. Nag-e-expire kasi yon, valid only for 3 months. We paid almost Php18,000 for our medical tests (2 adults, a 5-y/o and an 8-month old). Mas mahal pa kung wala kaming Hepa B vacc ni Henry.

The moment we got the results of our medical, I submitted our application to Bangkok. Nasa Php2000 yung binayad ko sa DHL (more than 1kg). In less than 24hrs, the parcel was already in NZIS Bangkok (March 17). Na-debit na sa credit card ko yung application fee – US$890 after a few days.

April 29, I received a letter from our visa officer inviting us for an interview. If all goes well, the visa will be released 2 months after the interview. Pwedeng pang ma-rejected yung application namin. Kung suswertehin, work visa ang ibibigay. Kung sobrang swerte naman, Permanent Resident. Paglabas ng result, maglalabas ulit kami ng NZ$1200 for the migrant levy. Mahaba-habang intayan pa rin to. Madami-daming perang kailangan. Sana swertehin kami pero mas maganda kung sobrang swerte.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day kahapon at talaga namang na-challenge ang aking pagiging mother. Pano ba namang hindi, Shannen was on her usual no-solid diet. Si Vince naman may sakit. Ang matindi pa nyan, day-off ni yaya Beyonce tapos si Henry may pasok. Although nasa bahay yung mother-in-law ko, nahiya naman akong magpasaklolo.

Shannen is now one yr old pero ayaw pa rin nyang kumain ng solid food. Minsan sa maghapon, 4 na piraso lang ng Marie biscuit (small) ang nauubos nya. She's 1kg underweight according to her pedia. Kahapon naubusan na ako ng pambobola, di ko pa rin sya nalansi na kumain. Sumuko ako. Pinabayaan ko na lang sya sa gusto nya.

Ito namang si Vince, mataas ang lagnat. Umabot pa ng 40.6. Bumababa after taking paracetamol pero tumatas ulit after a while. Wala naman sya complain except for a little stomach upset. He refuses to eat too. Lagi lang nakahiga. Dati maghapon yong nasa harap ng computer or playstation.

At 3pm, I could no longer stand it. Pinauwi ko na si Henry from his work. Pagbaba ko ng phone, I realized na angdali ko namang sumuko. Pano na kaya kung completely walang ibang tutulong sa akin? Halimbawa natuloy kami sa "you know where". Syempre walang yaya don o kaya relatives o kaya kapitbahay na pwedeng tumulong. Kailangan ko pa talaga ng training para maging well-rounded na nanay. Happy mother's day to me.

Bangkok Interview Preparations

As early as now, we are already making necessary preparations for our Bangkok interview. I compiled interview questions from people who have been there (and done that).

The interview will last for approximately an hour (matagal-tagal din yon) and it has 4 parts - 1) identity verification, 2) job prospects in NZ, 3) ties in NZ (families / friends), and 4) knowledge of accommodation and living costs.


JOB PROSPECTS
- How are you going to apply your skills in NZ
- How much do you know about the NZ job market
- What do you think are the difficulties you will encounter in applying for a job,
- How are you going to support yourself if you cannot find a job?
- Do you have an alternative career? Would you consider community service?


TIES IN NZ
- Who do you know in New Zealand? (name and specific contact info)
- How will your contacts help you in settling?
- If no relatives/friends, how are you going to shoulder the expenses on settling there?

ACCOMMODATION, LIVING COSTS, ETC.
- Why New Zealand?
- Where and when do you plan to settle in NZ?
- Do you have an idea on the living costs/expenses in your chosen destination?
- Plans on how to get started in NZ (rent or buy a house?)
- Do you know how much does a house in NZ costs?
- Have you made plans to send your child to any particular NZ school?


To prove that I have a friend in NZ, magdadala ako ng pictures namin ni Len (yung naka-gown kami sa JS prom). Pero reretukehin ko muna. Di ko na kasi kamukha yung nasa picture. he he he

Sana di makahalata yung visa officer namin na we got a "leakage". Baka mamaya ibahin yung tanong. Di bale, dahil talagang buong puso yung plano naming mag-migrate, I'm sure kakayanin namin kahit anong tanong.

Bangkok.. here we come

At last, we got this invitation from NZ Immigration Service (NZIS) Bangkok for an interview regarding our migrant application. This is the last step in our application. Although it will deplete our savings, I'm really excited nonetheless because this is the first time I am going overseas. For Henry, this is his second time. Saudiboy yon nung early 90's (cutshort nga lang because of Desert Storm).

Another reason for my excitement is our interview date falls on my birthday - May 26. Sabi ko kay Henry wag nya akong ibibili ng kahit anong gift. Ako ang pipili ng ireregalo nya sa akin sa Bangkok. Ok di ba. Last week ko pa kinukulit si Tinay kung saan ang mga bargain centers don. Naglilista na rin ako ng mga food na kaya naming kainin. "Pet noi, kin phet mai dai" - ibig sabihin daw nito not spicy, I can’t take spicy food. Dapat makabisa ko yon para naman ma-enjoy ko yung pagkain nila (di ba nga pati sampalok candy don may sili).

Wala pa kaming nakukuhang flight bookings. We're still scouting for the best price. Yung isang napagtanungan ko, US$195 plus taxes ang 4days/3nights nila. May nagsabi sa akin na meron daw na as low as US$170. Inuusisa ko pa kung sa pakpak ng eroplano ang seat non.

Ilang tulog na lang yon. Sana pleasant yung maging trip namin and, of course the interview. Final stage na yon, wala sanang papalpak.

Driver's License Renewal

Medyo malayo pa naman ang birthday ko but I decided to renew my driver's license na. Nung April 27, 7:08am pa lang nasa LTO Malabon office na ako. Sa aga kong yon, tantsa ko makakapasok pa ako sa trabaho pagkatapos. The first step is drug test. Sandali ko lang natapos yon kasi nakawee-wee naman ako agad. 7:26am umakyat na ako for the medical test. Aba, inabot na ako ng 8:20, wala pa si Dr. Quack-quack. I admit, I easily get irritated when people who are supposed to serve the public gets soo inefficient. So walk-out ang drama ko.

I went back to LTO this morning to finish my business. Maaga-aga si Dr. Quack-quack ngayon. Natuwa (at nainis) ako sa bilis ng systema. Tinanong lang kung nagsasalamin ako pagnagmamaneho, may hyper-tension ba, may medication bang tine-take... medical na ang tawag don. Ni di man lang ako pinabasa nung chart para sa mata o kaya kinunan ng BP. Sa isang banda, ok na rin yon, binawasan ko ng 2kgs ang timbang ko :-)

Third step is picture taking + verification. Next is payment. Grabe don, sobrang init at ang daming nagyoyosi. Di naman ako maselan pero kadiri talaga pag nadidikit sa akin yung mga pawisang braso nung mga jeepney at tricycle drivers na halatang nagmumog lang tapos umalis na sa bahay nila. Kaya pagkatapos kong magbayad nang 9:50am, umuwi muna ako sa bahay para maligo ulit (eh kasi nga papasok pa ako). Buong akala ko lisensya na yung makukuha ko pagbalik sa LTO. Nagulat ako na yung information ko dun sa una kong lisensya ang ipi-print, eh dalaga pa ako non. Syempre, reklamo na naman ako. Who wouldn't? This is the 3rd time I'm renewing my license under my married name. Ano ba naman sila? Sabi nung nag-e-encode, di pa daw na-u-update yung database nila. Di ko alam pano nangyari yon, I was too exhausted and frustrated to probe. Binigyan muna ako ng tempo license. Balikan ko daw yung card after 3 months. Next time, December pa lang magpapa-renew na ako. Kung palpak ulit sila, at least di masyadong mainit ang panahon, mas forgiving siguro ako pag ganon.

Shannen's 1st birthday

May 1, 2005
McDo SM City Car Park

Birthday party ng little princess ko nung May 1. We arrived at the place at exactly 10:06am. Pagdating namin, nandon na si Digi and daughter Danni, and my family from Bulacan.

The theme of the party is Disney Princesses. Syempre, nakapang-pricess na gown si Shannen with matching tiara. It was aquamarine dress (a gift from my sister Queenie) kaya lumutang ang kaputian ni kurdapya. Hindi nagpatalo yung mga pamangkins ko - Sam, Bea and Patricia, nag-gown din sila. Since 2 gowns ang binigay ni Queenie, nag-change costume kami in time for the blowing of cake. Pink gown naman.

Menos pagod na nga ang party sa fastfood pero napagod din ako kahit papano. Na-tense din kasi ako na baka sobrang konti yung guests namin. Unlike the blockbuster parties Vince had the past, ok-ok lang ang attendance kay Shannen. Nakaka-trauma kasi yung magpapareserve ka ng 80 tapos 130 yung dadating. This time, I was expecting around 80 visitors but I reserved for 70. Ang dumating nasa 50 lang. Enjoy yung mga kids dahil madami silang nakuhang lootbags (aside from McDo's lootbag, I also prepared my our own). Bago na rin yung mga games ng McDo kaya nakakatuwa.

After the party, di na kami masyadong nagtagal sa mall. Meron pa kasi part 2 yung birthday ni Shannen. Swimming naman sa 8 Waves (San Rafael, Bulacan) on the following day. yipeee!